Around the corner and away from the crowds of the Becky Route, the Northwest Face is a short but more wild feeling route. Any climber, even those familiar with the Washington Pass region, will be surprised when they first venture over to the uncrowded North Face of Liberty Bell. In fact, itís hard to believe that the most popular route in the area is a few hundred yards away. The crux Pitch 3 offers fantastic climbing on sound rock. The second 5.8 pitch, while easier, can feel more challenging because of the spooky hollow-sounding flakes. This route is best attempted during the warmer part of the summer by climbers solid at the 5.8+ or 5.9 grades.

Hans Kraus and Jon Rupley made the first ascent in 1956. This pair had mostly climbed in the Northeast and Europe, and they couldnít believe they had discovered such an obvious classic with continuous cracks on sound rock. The route challenged them; the crux dihedral alone was a multi- hour effort. Hans Kraus was a famous Shawangunks climber who personally attended to President John F. Kennedy. Sandy Bill, Ron Burgner, Ian Martin, and Frank Tarver climbed the first free ascent in 1966.

Strategy

Chances are good that youíll have the route to yourself, even on a busy weekend. At most, you might encounter one other group. This route used to be considered stout 5.8+ but is actually closer to 5.9. On Pitch 1, it is strongly recommended that you climb the 5.5 groove and not the dirty 5.8 chimney. Pitch 3, which involves well-protected sustained climbing on solid rock, is the technical crux. However, Pitch 2, which requires lay backing and jamming up a series of fragile flakes, is certainly the mental crux. There is fairly solid if inter... [full history for SuperTopo members only!]

Sign In or Join SuperTopo (it's FREE!) to read the complete route history, the recommended strategy for climbing this route, and useful tips should you need to retreat.